Inside Out 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Inside Out 2" is an exemplary showcase of Disney/Pixar's capabilities, offering a stunning visual treat that defies the technical limitations of its 2K DI origin. The 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image comes encoded via the HEVC (H.265) codec in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and is enriched with Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and HDR. While it features an HDR10 transfer rather than Dolby Vision, the result remains impressive with lush, vibrant colors bringing out every detail of the animation. From the dazzling hues in the opening hockey scene to the rich brown-orange tones in Riley's home, this presentation elevates every moment. Interior moments within Riley's mind showcase the pinnacle of animation mastery, with textures and color palettes that are simply breathtaking.

The vivid colors of primary and secondary characters are sharp and lifelike, delivering detail that's notably enhanced by the HDR grade. The fuzziness of emotions like Ennui or Anxiety pops against the meticulously rendered backgrounds, creating an incredible sense of depth and texture. Black levels remain inky and deep, giving the entire image a profound sense of dimension. Characters like Joy, Sadness, and Anger are rendered with remarkable precision. Even without Dolby Vision, the black levels and color shading excel in delivering a visually compelling experience.

For readers concerned about streaming versus physical media, it should be noted that while Disney+ offers a commendable 4K Dolby Vision HDR version, the physical disc delivers superior quality in both video and audio. This makes the physical release a worthy investment for aficionados seeking the best possible presentation of this animated masterpiece. For those interested in a potential 3D experience, there may be options on the horizon, potentially requiring importation, catering to all viewing preferences.

The Dolby Atmos track on the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Inside Out 2" demonstrates a commendable audio presentation that significantly enhances the viewing experience. Dialogue is exceptionally clear, maintaining clarity throughout Sorkin-esque exchanges, with prioritization across the array ensuring frontal dominance while occasionally extending into the surround channels for a more immersive experience. The use of the height channels is notably effective, with sounds and effects traveling seamlessly overhead, creating a tangible sense of spatiality. Noteworthy sequences, such as emotional catapults into Riley’s mind and wrecking ball impacts through HQ, deftly combine LFE impact and overhead activity. The atmospheric score by Andrea Datzman enriches the soundscape without overwhelming the primary audio elements.

The engagement of the surround channels is outstanding, with a significant boost in activity during interior scenes and sequences like Riley’s hockey games, providing a whirlwind of audio cues. Sound effects are thoughtfully placed within the soundstage, enhancing the sense of directionality and realism. Nevertheless, despite the highly active and engaging Atmos mix, there is a notable observation: while the Atmos track is outstanding, it does not exhibit a substantial improvement over the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on the 1080 version, which is also nearly flawless. This might discourage some from investing in the 4K version purely for an audio upgrade. Optional subtitles in multiple languages add accessibility.

Overall, this Dolby Atmos track presents an active and gratifying audio experience with a well-balanced mix that utilizes all available channels. It aligns excellently with the high visual standards set by "Inside Out 2," crafting an interconnected AV presentation that is both technologically impressive and emotionally resonant.

While the 4K UHD disc of "Inside Out 2" includes no on-disc extras, the accompanying Blu-ray compensates with a wealth of supplementary content. The featurettes delve deeply into the intricate production processes, notably "New Emotions," which explores the introduction and creation of new character emotions like Anxiety and Embarrassment as Riley enters puberty. "Unlocking the Vault" serves as an insightful visual commentary, shedding light on the technical challenges and design decisions behind pivotal scenes. A sizeable collection of deleted scenes, presented in varying stages of completion, offers a candid look into narrative elements that were ultimately cut. These extras collectively enhance the viewer's understanding of the creative decisions behind "Inside Out 2."

Extras included in this disc:

• New Emotions: In-depth exploration of new emotions added to Riley's mind.
• Unlocking the Vault: Visual commentary discussing Riley’s repressed memories.
• Deleted Scenes: A set of alternate scenes and narratives, providing insight into discarded content.

Inside Out 2 returns viewers to the complex emotional landscape inside Riley's mind, now undergoing a seismic shift as she enters her teenage years. With Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust struggling to maintain control, new emotions such as Anxiety (voiced masterfully by Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos) arrive to tackle the chaos of puberty. Writer/Director Kelsey Mann, alongside writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, effectively capture the turmoil and nuances of teenage emotions, creating a sequel that feels both timely and substantial. The addition of these new emotional forces adds depth and vibrancy, embodying the teenage struggle between holding onto childhood joys and grappling with emerging complexities.

The visual spectacle remains a standout feature, offering new arenas and landscapes that capture the evolving emotional states with Pixar’s signature vibrancy and imagination. From the introduction of "Sense of Self" to the "Belief System" and the Vault where emotions are stored, every new element is richly detailed and visually arresting. The humor remains sharp, appealing to both younger audiences who will be dazzled by the animation and to adults who may see reflections of their own adolescence. Whether it's the scene-stealing Embarrassment or the hilariously apathetic Ennui, the characters bring both comedic relief and genuine insight into Riley's developing psyche.

Inside Out 2 also excels in emotional intelligence, portraying the roller coaster of feelings that define adolescence. The film’s approach to Anxiety is a highlight, depicted as a cautious force aiming to protect Riley, albeit often overwhelming her other emotions. This thoughtful representation resonates deeply with viewers, ensuring that Inside Out 2 is not just a follow-up but an evolution that acknowledges the audience's growth alongside Riley's. Pixar has delivered a sequel that manages to be as poignant and visually stunning as its predecessor, setting a new benchmark for animated storytelling.

"Inside Out 2" continues Pixar's legacy of marrying poignant storytelling with groundbreaking animation, delivering a sequel that almost reaches the magical heights of its predecessor. The film revisits familiar characters with fresh narratives, providing an emotional journey filled with comedic highs and touching lows. With beautiful writing and stunning animation, it successfully captures the essence of what made the original so beloved. Technically, the 4K UHD Blu Ray release is exceptional, boasting a spectacular HDR10 transfer that lends a vivid and immersive visual experience. However, the strength of the audio mix is somewhat underwhelming in comparison, despite an overall solid Dolby Atmos presentation.

From the technical standpoint, the Blu-ray stands out for its impressive HDR-rendered visuals, which showcase the film's rich color palette and intricate details in ways that surpass the streaming experience. This SteelBook-exclusive release features engaging packaging alongside appealing on-disc supplements, although bonus content could have been more comprehensive. The full auditory experience, notwithstanding some expectations, enriches the viewing but falls slightly short of creating the distinction needed to rival Disney Plus's offering.

In summary, "Inside Out 2" is a laudable sequel that combines humor, sentiment, and visual splendor, maintaining Pixar's classic charm. Though it excels on most technical fronts, the slight shortfall in audio excitement and supplementary content does raise questions about the utility of this physical release over a streaming option. Still, for those without Disney Plus or avid collectors, this 4K UHD edition remains a must-have addition to any Pixar collection. Available to purchase from 30th September, it is a worthy return to form for Disney/Pixar fans.